How does joint custody work in New York state?

Asked by: Alexis Wyman  |  Last update: May 29, 2025
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If parents have “joint custody,” it means they have joint legal custody and an equal say in the important decisions that may be made in the child's life regardless of who has physical custody or how much visitation the noncustodial parent has.

How does joint custody work in NY?

Legal Custody & Physical Custody

If the Judge gives joint legal custody, the parents make major decisions about the child together. It doesn't matter which parent the child lives with; both parents must agree on the decisions together.

What is the disadvantage of joint custody?

The Disadvantages Of Joint Custody

This can be very difficult for some parents, especially if they don't get along. Arguments and conflicts often arise – If the parents have a contentious relationship, joint custody can actually make arguments and conflicts worse, since both parents have equal rights over the child.

Do you pay child support with joint custody in NY?

In A True 50/50 Custody Arrangements The Parent Who Earns More Still Has To Pay Child Support. Iff the parents have an absolute 50/50 split of physical custody with the child the parent whose income is higher is determined to be the non-custodial parent and must pay the other parent child support.

Do I have to pay child support if I have joint custody?

It seems logical that if your custody is shared, you each cover costs for the child when the child is with you. However, in California, custody and child support are two separate components, and one parent may be required to pay child support to the other even in a 50/50 arrangement.

3 Ways Dads Can Win Child Custody in New York State

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Do you have to pay child support if you have 50/50 custody in NC?

Parents can be obligated to pay child support even if they have joint custody of their children.

How can I pay child support with no income?

Child Support Modification on Imputed Income

You can request an adjustment to your child support order, but the court will base new child support amounts on your opportunity and ability to find similar-paying work using your previous employment as a benchmark for what you may be able to earn in the future.

Is New York a 50/50 custody state?

New York does not have specific legal statutes for 50/50 custody. They don't automatically apply a 50-50 custody rule. Therefore, parents must prove to the court that equal parenting time would be in the child's best interests.

How much is child support for one kid in New York?

For one child, you take 17% of the parents' combined income, for two children you take 25%, for three children you take 29%, for four children you take 31% and for five children you take no less than 35% of the parents' combined income and this percentage amount represents the basic child support obligation.

How to win full custody in NY?

Demonstrate Stability and Financial Security

Maintaining a stable residence, ensuring financial security, and showcasing involvement in the child's education and extracurricular activities will enhance their credibility and increase the likelihood of obtaining full custody.

Why would a father not get joint custody?

If there is a history of abuse or neglect, the court may find that it is not in the child's best interests to be in a joint custody arrangement with that parent. Another factor that may be taken into account is the child's ability to maintain a relationship with both parents.

Is joint custody better for a child?

In general, sharing custody of children is a preferred choice. Sharing helps kids keep strong ties with both parents, which is good for their wholesome upbringing. However, in some situations, it is better for the sake of children to live with only one parent.

Is it hard for a man to get joint custody?

If you're a good parent, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to get joint physical custody. You just need to ask for it and prove how it would benefit your children.

What is the biggest mistake in custody battle?

The Most Common Mistakes Made in California Child Custody Cases. Failing to respond to a child custody case will not make the issue go away. Instead, it could lead to a default judgment. This means that whatever the other party is requesting will most likely be granted by the judge because you have not given any input.

How far can a parent move with joint custody in New York?

In New York, there is no specific set distance in which a parent may be allowed to move with their child or not.

What age is best for week on week off custody?

The maturity of each child, in addition to the bond between the child and each parent, are just as important as age. Our attorneys have seen 7 year olds handle a week on / week off schedule better than some 11 year old kids. With that being said, one blanket approach won't be beneficial for all.

Does dad have to pay child support with 50/50?

Can a parent still receive California child support when there is joint custody? Yes. The State of California believes that both parents have a duty to provide financial support to a child. When one parent has sole physical custody, the non-custodial parent is usually ordered to pay child support.

How is custody determined in NY?

In all custody proceedings in New York, the main concern for the court in awarding custody is the “best interest of the child.” The “best interest of the child” test means that the courts are required to balance the ability of each parent to meet the needs of the child or children.

What is the income cap for child support in NY?

In 2010 the child support statute was amended and the $80,000 cap was replaced with $130,000, with an additional provision that this amount would be adjusted to account for inflation and costs of living. As of March 1, 2024, the statutory income cap is $183,000.

How often is joint custody awarded?

11% of cases result in an agreement for both parents to share custody equally, while in 20% of cases, there is no agreement reached between the parents. About 40% of US states aim to give equal custody time to both parents.

How can a mother get full custody in NY?

Safety Concerns: If there are legitimate concerns about the other parent's ability to provide a safe and stable environment for the child, a parent may seek sole custody. This can include issues such as a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health problems that pose a risk to the child.

How to avoid joint custody?

Reasons for preventing joint custody can include mental illness, abuse, substance abuse, domestic violence, prostitution, abandonment, other negative consequences, and dangerous behavior that can harm the child.

Can a father lose custody for not having a job?

Does Unemployment Affect Custody Decisions? While financial stability is a factor in custody cases, unemployment alone is rarely enough to disqualify a parent from custody.

Can you live off child support?

In most cases, mothers are given custody of their children, and fathers are supposed to pay child support. Unfortunately, a custodial parent may quit employment to live off the child support payments.

What is the biggest factor in calculating child support?

5 Factors Determining How Much Child Support You Will Receive
  • Your Former Spouse's Gross Income. A judge isn't going to require someone to pay more child support than he or she can afford. ...
  • Your Current Gross Income. ...
  • The Number of Children You Have. ...
  • The Needs of the Children. ...
  • The Child Custody Arrangement.